Mavericks @ Jazz (03:00AM GMT)

The Dallas Mavericks travel to Utah to face the Jazz in tonight’s late NBA game.

Both of these teams played last night – the Mavs lost at home against the Nuggets, whilst the Jazz suffered a heartbreaking double overtime loss in OKC.

Utah lost the game to a last second Paul George floater after 58 minutes of back-and-forth action between two potential playoff rivals. Four of the Jazz’s starters played over 40 minutes of basketball last night, with Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles logging 46 minutes each – those two will surely feel the effects of that in tonight’s encounter.

Meanwhile in Dallas, the Mavericks were without their star man Luka Doncic. They trailed by 17 points entering the fourth quarter last night – none of their players topped 30 minutes of action in the 114-104 loss to a Nuggets team looking to secure homecourt advantage for the first round of the postseason. The Mavs didn’t lead once in the second half.

Whilst Doncic sat out last night’s game with a ‘sore right ankle’, he’s been listed as questionable for tonight’s game in Utah. Should Doncic play, I expect the Mavs to have a much better chance of winning than their current odds suggest (7.2 moneyline!). The Slovenian ace will be the freshest player on the court and can hopefully take advantage.

I’ve had a tentative bet on the Mavericks to win at 7.2 on Betfair (also available at 11/2 with William Hill) – at that price and with a small bet, I’m happy to see how it plays out with or without the nailed-on Rookie of the Year. However, should Doncic news break that Doncic is playing tonight – currently a ‘game time decision’ – I’ll be looking to quickly get more on if 7.2 (!) or 3/1+ is still available. Good luck and hopefully we see a fit and rested Luka Doncic tonight!